Madame Dawson's Opera Company

Mary Cardwell Dawson formed the National Negro Opera Company in 1941 inside a grand Victorian-style house on the border of Pittsburgh's Homewood and Lincoln-Lemington neighborhoods. Madame Dawson expanded the opera company to include chapters in New York, Chicago, Washington, DC, and other cities. Dawson's opera company, her music school and the Cardwell Dawson Choir, opened new doors and launched careers for African-Americans who had little or no access to classical or opera music training.

The house also has a rich history beyond Mary Cardwell Dawson. Businessman William "Woogie" Harris, brother of famed photographer "Teenie" Harris, bought the house in 1930, hosting and housing prominent black entertainers (Lena Horne, Sarah Vaughn, Cab Calloway) and athletes (Joe Louis, Roberto Clemente) who were denied Pittsburgh hotel accommodations because of their race. Neighbors dubbed the house "Mystery Manor" because of the famous comings and goings.

This OnQ special report focuses on new efforts to restore the home, features rare archival images, and an interview with Dawson's niece and former secretary, Barbara Edwards Lee. It is brought to you by the Emmy-winning team of writer/producer David Solomon, videographer/editor Frank Caloiero, and narrator Michael Bartley.

Left: One of Mary Cardwell Dawson's productions. Courtesy of Heinz History Center.
Above: Lena Horne is among the famous celebrities who stayed at "Mystery Manor." Courtesy of Carnegie Museum of Art, Teenie Harris Collection

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featured specials

WQED is pleased to partner with Highmark to bring you these special reports on "Men & Cancer" and "Women & Cancer." Every year cancer claims the lives of nearly 300,000 men in America. According to the American Cancer Society, getting the facts about cancer is an important step in taking care of your overall health.

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featured specials

WQED is pleased to partner with Highmark to bring you these special reports on "Men & Cancer" and "Women & Cancer." Every year cancer claims the lives of nearly 300,000 men in America. According to the American Cancer Society, getting the facts about cancer is an important step in taking care of your overall health.

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